Gabriella

Traditionally understood as “God is my strength”, through Gabriel.

Gabriella is a feminine form of Gabriel, established in Italian and also used in Hungarian, English and Swedish. Its inherited meaning is often expressed as “God is my strength”. The full name has room to unfold: the firm opening gives way to the more lilting -ella, creating a graceful, slightly formal impression. In Italian, Gabriella is /ɡa.bri.ˈɛl.la/, with four syllables and the stress on el. The double l is held longer than a single l. English /ˌɡæ.bɹi.ˈɛl.ə/ keeps the main stress in the same place but softens the final vowel. The Italian version can appeal for its clear vowels and more deliberate finish. Gabriela, with one l, is a related form used in Spanish and Portuguese; Gabrielle is the French form, without the final a sound. They share a name family, but Gabriella’s fuller ending is worth keeping if that is the part you love.

Etymology: A feminine form of Gabriel used in Italian and other languages. The underlying Hebrew name combines elements referring to a strong man or hero and to God; “God is my strength” is a familiar interpretation.